Scenic Highway 87 AZ
From Fountain Hills to Payson, AZ where I live, is one of the most beautiful drives in the southwest. Along the way are some spectacular stands of Saguaro cactus as you start a gradual climb from almost sea level to 5,000 feet, arriving in Payson and "Rim Country" an RV enthusiasts playground.
RV Country
Two lanes of divided highway route you through a pristine desert landscape of reservation, state and national forest lands undisturbed by development practically until you arrive in Payson, a community of some 15,000 full-time residents, situated among tall Ponderosa Pines. Just a 1.5 hour drive from Fountain Hills, it's a section of AZ 87 known as the Beeline Hwy, where, on any given weekend, you will see RV's, such as pop-up campers, fifth-wheels, travel trailers and motorhomes, every size and description, traveling to the Rim Country. Besides Payson, they are bound for places with names like; Strawberry, Pine, Christopher Creek, Show Low and Sunrise, and where they will find some of the best hiking, fishing, camping, cool temperatures, and scenic forests in the Grand Canyon State.
It's a steady climb from Fountain Hills to the Mt. Ord turn-off, or what is sometimes referred to as the pass, it being the highest point between Ftn Hills and Payson and where some of the larger RV's will struggle. Carry extra water, camping accessories, and take your time. Once past there it's an easy ascent to into Payson where you will find everything you need to stock the RV pantry.
Some friends kept insisting that I share some of the video that I have shot along that scenic road, specifically areas where ancient Saguaro cactus dominate the landscape, giant cactus that always look different depending on the seasons, natural light and time of day. I finally put some of my best footage together, (you still need to drive it yourself!) found some cool music to go with it, loaded it on YouTube, and I hope you enjoy it; 
